Generation of '27: A Poetic Fusion in Spain

Generation of '27

A Poetic Fusion in Spain

The Generation of '27 wasn't strictly a generation, but rather a close-knit group of poets within a larger historical generation. This larger generation included other poets (like Miguel Hernández), playwrights (like Alejandro Casona), novelists (like Francisco Ayala), and even artists from other cultural movements (like Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí, and Manuel de Falla). The poets of '27 were united by a fusion of ideas:

• Noucentisme (pure art, intellectual rigor, and careful style)
• Tenets of the avant-garde (especially Surrealism and Creationism)
• Deep respect for Spanish lyrical tradition (influenced by authors like Antonio Machado and Juan Ramón Jiménez)
• Secular ideology from their shared educational background

Evolution of the Generation of '27

The poets of the Generation of '27 experienced three common stages, although not all followed them to the same extent or at the same time:

Stage 1: Early Influences (Until 1927)

Early poems from the 1920s show traces of Bécquer and Modernism, followed by the influence of early avant-garde movements (Ultraísmo and Creationism). Juan Ramón Jiménez's teachings steered them towards "pure poetry," devoid of human narrative. Pure metaphor became a key tool, yet there was also room for popular poetry and classical influences. This period culminated in a fervor for Góngora, known for his unique poetic language.

Stage 2: From Góngora to the Civil War (1927-1936)

The influence of Góngora marked both the peak and decline of their aesthetic ideals. A certain fatigue with pure formalism led to a "rehumanization" of their poetry. A desire for more relatable communication and a return to human themes (love, desire for fulfillment, existential questions) emerged. This coincided with the rise of Surrealism in Spain, which also opposed pure poetry. Gradually, their literature became politicized, addressing social issues and showing the influence of Pablo Neruda. The Republic and the looming Civil War further fueled the need for a combative and socially engaged poetry.

Stage 3: Post-Civil War

After the Civil War, Lorca was dead, and others were exiled. The group dispersed. Poetry became laden with pessimism, anxiety, and the sense of displacement, reflecting the struggles of modern man facing adversity. The poets had experienced two traumatic events: the Spanish Civil War and World War II. As they gradually overcame the trauma of war and its consequences, their poetry regained balance and explored universal human themes.